A Vision and a Need
Craigwiel Gardens is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that is one of three campuses that make up Fairview Parkwood Craigwiel Communities.
Founded by the Nairn Mennonite Church to demonstrate Christian values in action, we embrace people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.
The Nairn Mennonite Church bought a seven-bed Rest Home.
Craigholme, Home for the Aged, was formally established by the Ontario Amish Mennonite Conference (later Western Ontario Mennonite Conference).
Craigwiel Gardens became independently owned by Craigwiel Corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Craigwiel was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Construction began on the Craigholme long-term care home, which was completed in 1975.
Apartments built with 47 units of one and two bedrooms.
Craigwiel Gardens launched the Adult Day Program.
The Adult Day program space was expanded with a new addition.
The Ministry of LTC approved Craigwiel’s application to build an expanded Craigholme. Following the approval, Craigwiel Gardens’ Capital Campaign Committee launched a $1.25 million capital campaign to help build the new Craigholme.
In September 2023, Craigwiel Gardens signed a full Shared Services Agreement with Fairview Mennonite Homes, Cambridge to support and strengthen Craigwiel toward ensuring a sustainable future. This step was taken to realize the Board’s vision to grow the campus by building a new Craigholme. The agreement preserved the unique not-for-profit, faith-based cultures of Craigwiel Gardens, Fairview Mennonite Homes and its sister campus, Parkwood Mennonite Home Inc. in Waterloo. The agreement gave Craigwiel Gardens access to the expertise of Fairview and Parkwood’s Resource team and welcomed Elaine Shantz as the new President and CEO.
Craigwiel Gardens received funding approval from the Ministry of Long-Term Care in August, 2024, for a revised plan to develop 96 long-term care beds based on a new design. This was followed by an ‘Approval to Construct’ on November 27, 2024.
On December 11, 2024, Craigwiel Gardens kicked off construction on the new long-term care home on the existing campus with a ground-breaking event celebrated by staff, residents, donors, Board members, community partners and local politicians. The two-storey building will replace Craigholme, the existing 83-bed home.
In early 2025, Craigwiel Gardens became one of Ontario’s Seniors Active Living Centres, funded by the Province of Ontario.
In the spring of 2025, Craigwiel Gardens’ Board of Directors voted to unify with Fairview Mennonite Homes in Cambridge and Parkwood Mennonite Home Inc. in Waterloo. Formal unification was achieved in August 2025.
On July 30, 2025, Craigwiel Gardens welcomed donors, dignitaries, residents, staff and community members to sign the “topping off” beam for the new two-storey, 96-bed Craigholme long-term care home and celebrate Craigwiel Gardens 75th anniversary.